Boston Protesters Rally Against Gas Pipeline

BOSTON (AP) — Opponents of a proposed natural gas pipeline through northwestern Massachusetts are calling on Gov. Deval Patrick to rescind his support for additional taxes on New Englanders' electricity bills to help pay for it.

Hundreds of protesters gathered Wednesday on the Boston Common, the culmination of a monthlong "rolling rally" that began at the western state line in Richmond and traced the pipeline route.

Organizers said the proposed ratepayer tax is "unprecedented." They also said energy company Kinder Morgan's proposed $3.75 billion pipeline would harm acres of environmentally-significant lands.

Patrick, at an unrelated event Wednesday, said he has not endorsed Kinder Morgan's proposal. But he's not opposed to new natural gas projects that can provide a "bridge" until the state can rely more on wind, solar, and other renewable sources.

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